Bible Study - Share (6) - Trust GOD to Work - Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23 - May 30, 2021

 

Bible Study – Share (6) – Trust GOD to Work – May 30, 2021

This is our final lesson in this series entitled, “How to Share CHRIST.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23.

Share CHRIST in all situations but leave the results to GOD.

The title of this lesson is vital. Christians can lead others to CHRIST but only GOD/The Holy Spirit can bring about conviction of sin and forgiveness of sin. When a person asks JESUS to forgive him or her for their sins and believe that JESUS gave HIS sinless life for their sin, this results in the miracle of salvation and Spiritual birth into GOD’S Family.

When Christians are led to speak to others regarding Spiritual matters, the Holy Spirit prepares the hearts of those hearing the words you speak or actions you take. Often, Satan will try to discourage you after you speak to a person or group to make you feel inadequate. Then shout because you have been obedient to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We must trust GOD with the results. Then there are moments when we get to reap the harvest of leading a person or persons to a saving knowledge of JESUS.

Tell the person or persons receiving JESUS as their Savior that he, she or they need to grow Spiritually by reading and studying GOD’S Word. Get into a Bible Study/church that teaches and applies GOD’S Word. If those who have accepted JESUS as their Savior do not have a Bible, then make sure they get a version that is easy to read.

Salvation is just the beginning of Spiritual growth. Salvation grafts a person into the true vine, JESUS (John 15). Spiritual nutrients flow through the living vine, JESUS. The purpose of being grafted into the vine, JESUS, is to bear Spiritual fruit. And the beauty of fruit is that it has seeds that produce additional fruit. Christians are to share the Good News of JESUS with others.

It is fitting that our last study is on the parable of the sower. Let’s explore!

JESUS was teaching to the crowds and HIS disciples.

First, let’s consider the organization of Matthew into five sections or discourses as outlined in the Advanced Bible Study, Spring 2021, on page 165, published by Lifeway, Nashville, TN:

Chapters 5-7: Sermon on the Mount

Chapter 10: Teaching about missions

Chapter 13: Teaching in Parables

Chapter 18: Teaching on relationships among disciples

Chapters 24-25: Teaching about the future

The law (the first and preeminent of the Old Testament) is similarly organized into five books (Gen., Ex., Lev., Num., Deut.). Matthew used Mosaic imagery to portray JESUS as the new and greater Moses.

A prominent theme in Matthew’s gospel is Old Testament prophecy that is fulfilled in JESUS. In addition to the fulfillment theme ----- Matthew includes nine proof texts unique to his Gospel:

Matthew 1:22-23 - ²² Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

²³ See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel,^[h]

which is translated “God is with us.”

Matthew 2:15 – ¹⁵ He stayed there until Herod’s death, so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Out of Egypt I called my Son.^[e]

Matthew 2:17-18 – ¹⁷ Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:

¹⁸ A voice was heard in Ramah,

weeping,^[f] and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children;
and she refused to be consoled,
because they are no more.^[g]

Matthew 2:23 - ²³ Then he went and settled in a town called Nazareth to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Matthew 4:14-16- ¹⁴ This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁵ Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
along the road by the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles.
¹⁶ The people who live in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those living in the land of the shadow of death,
a light has dawned.^[g][h]

Matthew 8:17 – ¹⁷ so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

He himself took our weaknesses
and carried our diseases.^[f]

Matthew 12:17-21 - ¹⁷ so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

¹⁸ Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
¹⁹ He will not argue or shout,
and no one will hear his voice in the streets.
²⁰ He will not break a bruised reed,
and he will not put out a smoldering wick,
until he has led justice to victory.^[d]
21 The nations will put their hope in his name.^[e]

 

Matthew 13:35 - ³⁵ so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:

I will open my mouth in parables;
I will declare things kept secret
from the foundation of the world.^[f][g]

 

Matthew 27:9-10 - ⁹ Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: They took^[b] the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him whose price was set by the Israelites, ¹⁰ and they gave^[c] them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.^[d]

Matthew established the authority of JESUS as the promised Messiah Who takes away the sins of all who believe in HIM as their redeemer and Savior.

Let’s explore the teaching message of JESUS as expressed in the parable of the seed and the sower. What is a parable? Simply it is an earthly story with a Heavenly meaning.

In this parable “the seed” is the word of GOD, either spoken or read from GOD’S Word. The sower in this case is JESUS or the Holy Spirit as we read, hear and/or study GOD’S Word/the Bible today. The soil represents the human heart. How receptive are we as individuals to the teaching of the Holy Spirit? As you study this, my hope is that you are receptive to the seeds that are planted into your heart? Let’s keep exploring!

JESUS speaks the parable and gives its meaning. So, get comfortable and listen as the Holy Spirit speaks to you ----

Let’s read Matthew 13:3-8:

³ Then he told them many things in parables, saying, “Consider the sower who went out to sow. ⁴ As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. ⁵ Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. ⁶ But when the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good ground and produced fruit: some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times what was sown.

Who is the sower? It is JESUS then and the Holy Spirit today. What is the seed? It is the teaching of JESUS then and the Holy Spirit today. What is the soil? It is how receptive a person or people are to the teachings of JESUS or what the Bible has to say about JESUS and Salvation through faith in JESUS.

As you read this, what soil represents your life?

Keep in mind that GOD/JESUS has an adversary, Satan. Satan fights for the souls of all mankind/people. He does not want you to become a Spirit-born Christian.

During the time JESUS walked upon earth, the agrarian life provided physical food to sustain life upon earth, as it does today. JESUS used an example most, if not all people, would relate in that day.

A sower would broadcast the seed by hand. Several factors would determine where the seed landed e.g., the wind, the direction of the wind, the hands, arms, attitude, strength, quantity of seed and area to be covered by the person broadcasting the seed.

JESUS gave examples of where the seeds landed. Keep in mind that a parable is an earthly example with a Heavenly meaning.

The sower goes out to sow good seed for the purpose of producing a crop to meet an intended purpose. The seed is good but where it lands is the determining factor of the success of the intended purpose of the seed.

Some seeds landed on the path, and the birds came and devoured them. The path was hard and the seed could not take root. This represents what kind of heart?

⁵ Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. ⁶ But when the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away.

⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it. 

⁸ Still other seed fell on good ground and produced fruit: some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times what was sown.

What did JESUS have to say about these seeds and where they landed?

Let’s read Matthew 13:18-22:

The Parable of the Sower Explained

This is JESUS’ explanation:

¹⁸ “So listen to the parable of the sower: ¹⁹ When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path. ²⁰ And the one sown on rocky ground—this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. ²¹ But he has no root and is short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away. ²² Now the one sown among the thorns—this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the deceitfulness^[c] of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 

This is where GOD can use those who know the truth to step in, as led by the Holy Spirit, and do some digging, watering, adding nutrients, removing weeds and cultivating. It takes time. The key is to never, ever give up on those who are building the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. GOD never gives up on them.

JESUS’ explanation represents the normal path redemption follows unless GOD leads those who know and put into practice the truth of redemption through faith in JESUS. Often, the redemptive process may seem to be a lifelong process. We, who have given our hearts to GOD through faith in JESUS, have to jettison our old earthly clothes and put on our new Spiritual clothes GOD provides in the redemptive process. WE must keep pressing forward to finish line because the rewards are Heavenly.

Now, let’s read about when things go according to GOD’S plan ---

Let’s read Matthew 13:23:

²³ But the one sown on the good ground—this is one who hears and understands the word, who does produce fruit and yields: some a hundred, some sixty, some thirty times what was sown.”

Yes, there are those who see the truth immediately and give their hearts and lives to JESUS and begin telling others about their new eternal relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

They may hit some headwinds in life but GOD sees them through the storms. The storms of life build trust in their relationship with JESUS.

How do I know? Been there and experienced my JESUS and FATHER rescuing me from the storms and angry waves life brings.

The truth is as written in Deuteronomy 31:6 - ⁶ Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.”

Blessings!!! 

Bible Study - Share (5) - Share the Message - Acts 17:16-18, 22-23, 30-31 - May 23, 2021

 

Bible Study – Share (5) – Share the Message – May 23, 2021

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “How to Share CHRIST.”

Our focus scripture is Acts 17:16-18; 22-23; 30-31.

Our daily conversations are opportunities to share CHRIST. The key is for us to anticipate and look for the opportunity to share JESUS.

The Apostle Paul was a good example for Christians to follow when it comes to witnessing. This is the heart of our today’s study.

When Paul entered a town, he looked around and used everyday events to get the attention of those to whom he would speak. This is a good way for Christians to establish commonality with those to whom the Holy Spirit has led you to speak.

Christians are to use their circumstances to share CHRIST with others as prompted by the Holy Spirit.

Often, relocation equals opportunity. I know within our circle of Christian friends some have relocated due to health reasons, loss of a loved one or simply downsizing where they live. This change in lifestyle gives opportunity. Those who know the truth of CHRIST and His hope of Glory are vessels of living water. They take with them the living water/the Holy Spirit which quenches the Spiritual thirst of those seeking truth.

So, what can we learn from the Apostle Paul?

When Paul was in Athens he paused and looked around. What did he see? How could he apply what he saw to establish a point of common interest with those who were also in that area?

The writer of ACTS, Doctor Luke, journaled the events taking place during the travels of these early missionaries. Paul was a key figure during these days. Bible scholars put the events recorded in Acts 17, in Athens, about 48-49 AD.

What do we do while we are waiting? Why are we where we are? Does GOD have something for us to do while we are waiting? Let’s explore!

We need to consider how GOD had prepared Paul even before he trusted JESUS as his Savior. Paul was a Jew and he was trained by Gamaliel, a Pharisee doctor of Jewish Law. In Acts 5:34-35 we read,” ³⁴ But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men^[c] to be taken outside for a little while. ³⁵ He said to them (the Sanhedrin), “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re about to do to these men.”

The Sanhedrin was concerned about the Apostles of JESUS telling others about JESUS, especially in the temple area. The temple was their domain and this JESUS was a threat to their livelihood plus they were party to the crucifixion of JESUS. Now GOD had raised JESUS from the physically dead. So, what were they to do? Gamaliel was a wise teacher as we read on ----

Then in Acts 5:38-39: ³⁸ So in the present case, I tell you (Gamaliel), stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. 

This gives us an idea of the thoughts and reasoning of Gamaliel.

Paul knew the Old Testament scriptures. After his conversion on the road to Damascus, and his time in Arabia, the Holy Spirit connected the Old Testament scripture to the fulfilment of them in the life, death, resurrection, ascension of JESUS and the return of the Holy Spirit.

Clarity came to Paul during his time in the dessert as written in Galatians 1:11-20:

¹¹ For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. ¹² For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation of Jesus Christ.

¹³ For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. ¹⁵ But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.^[d] 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.

¹⁸ Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas,^[e] and I stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. ²⁰ I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you.

Paul knew the scripture and is an example for all Christians. We are to read, study, know and apply the scriptures in our lives as we serve JESUS wherever we are. But we must have the want to and look for opportunities. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Acts 17:1-4 (Background)

17 After they passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. ² As usual, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, ³ explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and rise from the dead: “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.” ⁴ Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a large number of God-fearing Greeks, as well as a number of the leading women.

The Apostle Paul taught in the Jewish synagogue for three sabbaths. The scripture was the what we know as the Old Testament. Paul was a master teacher and connected the events of the Old Testament scriptures with the life, death, resurrection, fulfilment of GOD’S plan for the salvation of all who placed their faith in JESUS.

Notice in verse 4, “a large number of God-fearing Greeks and --- leading women” were persuaded to accept JESUS as GOD’S promised Messiah.

Those who were devout Jews saw this new teaching as a threat to the Jewish religion. Isn’t this true even today. Christians get comfortable worshipping with our group. If the Holy Spirit brings to our attention that we have been missing the mark and not fulfilling the great commission, do we embrace it or fight against change? If we are not allowing the Holy Spirit to rule in our lives or the body of believers, guess who does not want the body to change? You got it if you said, Satan!

So, what happened to this missionary group led by Paul?

Let’s read on in Acts 17:5-15:

Riot in the City

⁵ But the Jews became jealous, and they brought together some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. Attacking Jason’s house, they searched for them to bring them out to the public assembly. ⁶ When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too, ⁷ and Jason has welcomed them. They are all acting contrary to Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king—Jesus.” ⁸ The crowd and city officials who heard these things were upset. ⁹ After taking a security bond from Jason and the others, they released them.

The Bereans Search the Scriptures

¹⁰ As soon as it was night, the brothers and sisters sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. Upon arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. ¹¹ The people here were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, since they received the word with eagerness and examined^[a] the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. ¹² Consequently, many of them believed, including a number of the prominent Greek women as well as men. ¹³ But when the Jews from Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came there too, agitating and upsetting^[b] the crowds. ¹⁴ Then the brothers and sisters immediately sent Paul away to go to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed on there. ¹⁵ Those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.

Paul was escorted some 141 miles away to Athens. What would most of us do after being escorted out of the towns we had been preaching/teaching in? What did the Apostle Paul do? How could he keep on keeping on?

When we know the truth, the truth never changes. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit Who compels us to keep on keeping on.

So, Paul is now in Athens waiting for his team to catch up with him.

How could Paul not be embarrassed and keep a low profile? NO! Paul knew the truth and would not hide the truth from those seeking the truth. What would we do? What did Paul do as we read on ----

Let’s read Acts 17:16-18:

Paul in Athens

¹⁶ While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply distressed when he saw that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped God, as well as in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also debated with him. Some said, “What is this ignorant show-off^[c] trying to say?”

The Apostle Paul was waiting for Timothy and Silas to come from Berea, some 141 miles away. Paul was in Athens. As he waited, he looked around, and was deeply distressed. He saw idols all around Athens. He even saw an idol to the unknown god. Paul knew that those in Athens wanted to have all of their bases covered when it came to religion. In essence, they did not want to tick off a god.

When we look around at the world around us or listen to the local and world news, how do we feel? Are we helpless? Or do we pray for the people of the area where we live or for those in other neighborhoods, cities, states, areas, or countries.  

The communication system we have today gives us great opportunity to pray for those locally and around the world. When you hear a siren, what do you do? It means trained first responders, medical, fire, accident personnel are either traveling to or from a situation that needs or needed their attention. Wisdom, safe travels and their personal safety are needed and we can join them as we pray for them.

Our communication systems give us opportunity to ask our LORD to come along the side of those rushing to help those in need.

What is the greatest need of all people? It is the need of salvation. We who know the truth are equipped with the Good News for those who are in need. Some may need comfort and others may need salvation. Are we, who know the truth, ready to respond when the opportunity is given to us?

We see in our scripture that Paul went to the synagogue. Why the synagogue? What was being taught by those who were supposed to know the truth. What is being preached and taught in our churches today? Is truth being taught or what feels good?

Where do we go when we want to find or hear truth? We go to church or the pastor of a church.

Paul went to the synagogue to reason with those gathered there.

The brainiacs had some unkind things to say about Paul. Isn’t that true today? What was Paul’s foundation for what he believed? It was the scriptures, the indwelling Holy Spirit and putting into practice or responding to the indwelling Holy Spirit. The same is true for Spirit-born Christians today. That is why all Christians must know the truth; not about the truth but know the truth. Plumb the depths of scripture both the Old and New Testaments. Ask the LORD JESUS to reveal truth to you and to help you to know the fullness of JESUS and not just about JESUS.

What could that mean to you? It could mean and likely will mean that you will be led to get rid of some human notions about your relationship with JESUS.

The Apostle Paul was looking for an opportunity to share the truth of JESUS with the people of Athens. As Christians, do we have the desire to share the truth of JESUS with others? If not, why not?

Let’s read Acts 17:22-23:

The Areopagus Address

²² Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “People of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. ²³ For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.’ Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. 

Paul began his address on common ground with those gathered to hear what he had to say. Religion was important to those gathered. Paul knew that religion is man-made whereas Christianity is from GOD. A person cannot earn his or her way to GOD’S Heaven without faith in JESUS, the true Messiah.

As already stated, Paul found common ground to build his message upon. He referenced something he saw as he explored Athens; “I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. ²³ For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.’ Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.”

I think that was certainly an attention getter. When you share, you want your audience to listen.

Paul presented the message.

We have to read Paul’s message in verses 24-29:

²⁴ The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live-in shrines made by hands. ²⁵ Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. ²⁶ From one man^[e] he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. ²⁷ He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ²⁸ For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’ ²⁹ Since, then, we are God’s offspring, we shouldn’t think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination.

Sometimes the truth hurts or may be uncomfortable. But when we as Spirit-born Christians are called to present the truth, we are compelled to do so and trust GOD to apply the truth as needed. Paul addressed the nature of GOD as we read on ------

Let’s read Acts 17:30-31:

³⁰ “Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent, ³¹ because he has set a day when he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

People were under the law and were ignorant of GOD’S Grace through faith in JESUS. Now that JESUS has come into the world and fulfilled all that GOD had planned for HIM to fulfill, people are now accountable. JESUS is GOD’S standard of perfection. Whereas no human can reach that standard through their own merit, GOD declares righteous all who place their faith in JESUS, acknowledging JESUS as their Savior. JESUS is the redeemer of all who will place their faith in HIM. Simple! That is what GOD wants for every person; even a child can understand.

JESUS is the giver of eternal life to all who ask HIM to forgive them for their sins and for HIM to come into their lives. Faster than the twinkling of the eye JESUS comes into a person’s heart and he or she is Spiritually born into the family of GOD, never to be unborn.

Now that is worth shouting about!

Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study - Share (4) - Live the Message- Colossians 31-3, 12-17 - May 16, 2021

 Bible Study – Share (4) – Live the Message – May 16, 2021

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled, “How to Share CHRIST.”

Our focus scripture is Colossians 3:1-3, 12-17.

How we live reflects on the message we share.

Living for JESUS is critical. All Spirit-born Christians have a testimony of their conversion experience. To some it was instant and miraculous and to others it was like the dawning of a new day. The light of the sun slowly began to penetrate the darkness of the night and continued to shed more light as the day overtook the night, until a person is in the fulness of the day. Regardless of your conversion experience, your testimony is personal and powerful.

Once a person’s life has been changed by the presence of JESUS in his or her life, how and where he or she lives is vital. Once converted from a life doomed to eternal death to eternal life, how the Spirit-born Christian lives shines the light of CHRIST to those who live in the darkness of sin. The lives of Spirit-born Christians should be such that their lives are a beacon to those who are lost in the storms of life and add salt to make life upon earth savory and thirst for what Spirit-born Christians have in JESUS. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Colossians 3:1-3:

3 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

The Apostle Paul used the word “so” which carries the meaning of “therefore” or “then” which connects what Paul wrote in chapters 1 and 2 to verse 3. Also, Paul used the word “if.” “If” can be translated “since,” therefore since “you have been raised with Christ,” the tense of the verb indicates a past completed action with continuing or ongoing results:

-         seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 

-         ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 

-         ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

In essence, when JESUS gave HIS sinless physical life upon the cross, all who place their faith in HIM, also died with HIM. They ascended with HIM into Heaven and were resurrected with HIM on the third day. The difference being, JESUS was resurrected with HIS Glorified body and Spirit-born Christians are waiting for their Glorified bodies which we will receive at the second coming of JESUS.

Does this mean Spirit-born Christians will be disembodied Spirits when they exit their earth suits/human body upon physical death? NO!

All Spirit-born Christians will not be found naked in this interim period between physical death and their sojourn in Heaven until JESUS returns to earth at the rapture of all Christians from earth.

It is GOD WHO fashions a special Spiritual body for all Spirit-born Christians. This tent or building made by GOD will serve Spirit-born Christians and will be revealed to the heavenly hosts the instant they exit their earth suits. This special Spirit Body will be used while they are in Heaven waiting for the second coming of JESUS.

Consider 2 Corinthians 5:1-5:

5 For we know that if our earthly tent we live in (human body) is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. ² Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, ³ since, when we are clothed,^[a] we will not be found naked. ⁴ Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit (Holy Spirit) as a down payment.

Spirit-born Christians who are alive upon earth at the second coming of JESUS will be changed in the twinkling of the eye. Those who have entered Heaven prior to the second-coming of JESUS will follow JESUS and receive their Glorified body at the rapture, as the Apostle Paul explains in the following scripture ------

In First Thessalonians 4:13-18:

The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

¹³ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep (physical death), so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep (physical death). ¹⁵ For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep (physical death). ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout,^[e] with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage^[f] one another with these words.

Spirit-born Christians are in the full and complete care of GOD. Our part is to say to HIM, “Here I am FATHER, use me to reach others with the Good News of JESUS. As Spirit-born Christians, help us to take off our old clothes of our flesh and put on our new clothes of righteousness through our faith in JESUS.” It is a process of renewing our minds from minds of flesh to minds of the Spirit. Satan wants us to keep our old clothes on; our old mindsets and not experience our new lives in JESUS. Where is your mind set? Is it upon the things earth has to offer or upon that which GOD offers? Scripture reveals to us in Romans 12:2:

² Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Let’s read again verses 1-3: So, if (therefore since) you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

In essence, all Spirit-born believers, through faith in JESUS, already reside in Heaven. We are gifted by GOD with Spiritual Gifts to be used to minister upon earth.

How can I write such a thing? Let’s see what scripture has to say:

Philippians 3:20:

²⁰ Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5:

5 For we know that if our earthly tent (human body) we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. ² Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, ³ since, when we are clothed,^[a] we will not be found naked. ⁴ Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit (The Holy Spirit) as a down payment.

When Adam and Eve sinned, they found themselves naked. Why? It was because of their sin. When we accept JESUS as our Savior, we are clothed in HIS righteousness – note verse 3 in the scripture just read.

2 Corinthians 5:20:

²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

An ambassador lives in a foreign country but represents his or her home country.

At GOD’S choosing, HE will call us home through physical death or come gather us via the rapture. Spirit-born Christian’s citizenship is with GOD in Heaven. WOW!!! What about that!

Isn’t that Good News and an incentive for all Spirit-born Christians to spread the Good News of salvation through faith in CHRIST to others? When we accepted JESUS as our Savior, we died and in essence ascended to Heaven. GOD sent us back to be HIS representatives/ambassadors upon earth. All Spirit-born Christians are called for a purpose. What are we called to do?

Let’s read Colossians 3:12-15:

The Christian Life

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, ¹³ bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. ¹⁴ Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. 

As “chosen ones.” When were we chosen? My fav – Ephesians 1:4 – ⁴ For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.^[c] 

Spirit-born Christians are to walk their talk and that is impossible without living in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are to put on; compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiving one another, put on love, which is the bond of unity, let the peace of CHRIST rule our hearts with thanksgiving.

Spirit-born Christians still make choices. GOD does not make us robots but gives us choices. Choose wisely my friends!

As newborns, in CHRIST, our old clothes no longer fit. We have new clothes. Our old clothes are as filthy rags. Our new clothes have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and GOD’S Word. Folks, it is time to get dressed up in our new clothes and let our lights shine, our saltiness add flavor and the fragrance of the LORD JESUS abound. My, my you smell so good.

How can Spirit-born Christians say that they smell so good? Let’s check what the scripture has to say in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17:

¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place. ¹⁵ For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. ¹⁶ To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? ¹⁷ For we do not market the word of God for profit like so many.^[c] On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.

Let’s read Colossians 3:16-17:

¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,^[d] singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Spirit-born Christians are to read, study, meditate upon GOD’S Word and put it into action (LET/DO NOT RESTRAIN) as led by the Holy Spirit. But as we serve, we are to be active as the wisdom from our LORD dwells within us; we are to share it with others; teaching, admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,^[d] singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Whatever we do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Folks, we do not know when JESUS will return. May we, who know the truth, be found serving HIM. Whether HE returns in our lifetime or not, there are fellow people who are going into eternity every second of every day. May all who know the truth share the truth of salvation with those living in the darkness of sin. CHRIST is the hope of all.

Keep this in mind. The indwelling Holy Spirit gives balance in our earthly life.

Consider the life of JESUS. HE is our example. HE mixed with a variety of people, yet without sin. Be careful and do not be led astray in your quest to mingle. As Christians, we must live the message of salvation in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Blessings!!!